Traffic Stop Yields Multiple Charge Drug Arrest

Palatka FL: On Thursday, March 23, 2017, at approximately 1:05 am, Sergeant Nick Vieira was patrolling in the area of Heidt Road and Silver Lake Drive in Palatka when he observed a silver 2004 Chevy Trailblazer with only one functioning headlight. After conducting a traffic stop, Sergeant Vieira determined the driver, 24-year-old Atarah Zeresh Wright, did not have a valid driver’s license. While being questioned outside the vehicle, Wright asked Sergeant Vieira to retrieve her wallet from between the driver’s seat and the center console. Upon retrieving the wallet Sergeant Vieira immediately saw a baggie containing a white powdery substance appearing to be cocaine protruding from an outer pocket of the wallet in plain view. The substance field tested to be cocaine and Wright was placed under arrest. A search incident to the arrest also revealed 2 grams of methamphetamine and multiple hypodermic needles within the vehicle.

Wright was transported to the Putnam County Jail where she was searched prior to being booked into the facility. During the search two and one half Dilaudid pills and another hypodermic needle were discovered in her vagina. Wright was booked on two felony counts of the possession of cocaine, one felony count of the possession of drugs, one felony count of the possession of methamphetamine, one felony count of smuggling contraband, two misdemeanor counts of the possession of drug equipment and one misdemeanor moving traffic violation. Wright is currently being held on a $14,000 bond.